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Home » Transitioning to natural refrigerants: DFFE director delivers keynote speech at SADC RAC Part 2

Transitioning to natural refrigerants: DFFE director delivers keynote speech at SADC RAC Part 2

By Eamonn Ryan

Margaret Molefe, director for Hazardous Chemicals Management at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), delivered a keynote speech at the SADC RAC interactive workshop. This is Part 2 of a seven-part series.

The audience at the SADC RAC interactive workshop.
The audience at the SADC RAC interactive workshop. © Cold Link Africa

…continued from Part 1.

A significant part of the conversation at the workshop centred on the transition to natural refrigerants, which are more environmentally friendly and have a lower global warming potential than traditional refrigerants. Molefe emphasised the importance of safe handling during this transition to avoid accidents and minimise environmental impact. This includes proper training and certification for technicians who work with refrigerants, ensuring that they understand the necessary safety protocols and environmental regulations.

Another challenge that Molefe addressed was the management of disposable cylinders, which are used to contain refrigerants. Proper disposal and recycling of these cylinders are critical to preventing leaks of ODS into the atmosphere, further highlighting the need for robust waste management systems and trained professionals to handle them safely.

 

Collaborative efforts and stakeholder engagement

Molefe stressed the importance of multi-sector partnerships, with various ministries working together to ensure that the country’s transition to sustainable refrigeration practices is both effective and equitable. This collaboration includes efforts with agencies such as the Department of Employment and Labour, which oversees regulations related to occupational health and safety, especially in high-pressure environments like refrigeration work.

Furthermore, Molefe mentioned the involvement of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), which plays a key role in shaping the training curriculum for servicing technicians. While the DHET’s focus extends to a broad range of technical fields, it is particularly relevant for refrigeration technicians, who must be equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to meet evolving standards.

 

The role of quality assurance

The importance of quality assurance in training was another critical topic in Molefe’s speech. The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), as part of the DHET’s efforts, ensures that the training provided is up to standard, with accredited courses and certification programmes that meet both local and international guidelines. Molefe emphasised that quality assurance is vital in building a competent workforce that can lead the way in sustainable refrigeration practices and contribute to global efforts to protect the ozone layer and combat climate change.

Molefe reiterated that South Africa’s commitment to ozone layer protection and energy-efficient cooling technologies is not only a national responsibility but also a critical part of the global fight against climate change. Through initiatives like the National Cooling Plan, the country is contributing to the global transition away from ozone-depleting substances and towards more sustainable, energy-efficient solutions.

Continued in Part 3…